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The Early Years: New Arrival
Alric sat on the ground with his legs crossed. He was reading a large leather bound book on the basic practise and principles of evocation that he had just recently borrowed from the Candlekeep library.
Looking up from where he sat in the inner grounds, he could just see the chanters who were chanting a prophecy of Alaundo’s.
Glancing up at the sky, Alric judged it to be close to midday and he would soon have to get ready for Gorion’s return. His foster father had told him that he would be bringing someone else to stay at the keep and he wished that Alric be there, looking his best, to greet her.
Alric stood up and tucked the book under his arm before he set off for his room to get ready for the new arrival. As he was walking away he heard the words of the prophecy that was currently being chanted.
“The Lord of Murder shall perish, but in his doom he shall spawn a score of mortal progeny. Chaos will be sewn from their passage. So sayeth the wise Alaundo.”
Alric did not understand why, but the sound of the chanter’s voices sent a cold shiver down his spine. Shrugging it off as just a figment of his imagination, he continued on his way to his room.
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Alric studied himself in the mirror. His light brown hair was combed down in a flat neat fashion and he had decided to wear his best robes. He was not yet a wizard as he had only began his studies a year or so ago, however, he still liked to wear the robes of one.
This particular robe was black in color and had a red trim around the edges. The robe looked as though it was shining and wearing it made Alric feel proud to say that he was an apprentice wizard.
Looking around his small but adequate bedroom he discovered that he had left the chest, where he kept all of his books and scrolls, open. Picking up the book that he had been reading out in the inner grounds, he placed it neatly inside his chest with the rest of his things.
After a final inspection of his room, he began to make his way to the gate where he was planning to meet Gorion.
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“Where are we going?” The young girl asked her older companion.
“I have told you already little one. We are going to Candlekeep.”
“Is momma going to be there?” The girl asked.
Gorion looked down at the young girl, the daughter of one of his oldest friends and companions. He knelt down besides her and spoke in a gentle and calm voice “Imoen, I am afraid to tell you that your mother will not be at Candlekeep.”
“Will she be coming to see me?” Imoen continued to ask her questions.
“No little one, she will not.” Gorion stood back up and studied the young girl, who now had a saddened expression on her face. “Come, there is someone I wish for you to meet.” He added as they resumed their journey.
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Alric stood by the entrance to the inner grounds, he had tried waiting near the gate but the watcher named Hull instructed him to move along.
He sighed as time continued to drag, seconds turned into minutes and there was still no sign of Gorion or this mysterious new guest.
“Gorion, I see you have returned.” Alric heard Hull say in a respectful tone. He looked over and saw his foster father talking to the watcher, he also saw a human girl who appeared to be slightly younger then himself.
She was smaller then Alric and had hair that was a brown shade of blonde in color. He noticed that she looked both sad and intimidated and it seemed that she was trying to hide in Gorion’s shadow.
After a short conversation with Hull, Gorion looked over and saw Alric, he politely excused himself and made his way over to his adopted son. “Hello child.” Gorion greeted him with a warm smile. “How are your studies going?” He inquired.
“They are going okay.” Alric replied.
“There is a short lesson I would like to teach you, if you are interested?” Gorion asked.
“I would like that.” Alric replied. As he gazed up at his foster father he noticed that the blonde haired girl was trying her best to remain unseen. “Who’s that?” He asked curiously.
“This is Imoen.” Gorion responded, moving to the side so that she came into full view. “She is the daughter of an old friend of mine and she will be staying with us here in Candlekeep.”
“Hello.” Alric greeted her.
“Hi.” Imoen replied shyly.
“Alric, would you kindly escort Imoen to the room I have set aside for her. It is the empty one on the same corridor as yours.” Gorion asked.
“I have a pressing matter that I must discuss with both Ulraunt and Tethoril.” He added, his voice taking a more urgent tone that slightly alarmed Alric.
Alric watched as Gorion made his way towards the entrance to the central keep. He then turned back to look at Imoen and found her looking around nervously. “Come on Imoen, I will give you a guided tour of the keep.” He said as he smiled at her.
“Okay.” Imoen replied, smiling shyly at Alric.
